On December 12, parishioners at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Hillsboro gathered to honor the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a significant figure for many in the immigrant community. As dawn broke, around 200 attendees arrived, donning colorful shawls adorned with images of the Virgin Mary. This annual celebration highlights both the cultural and spiritual importance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is revered as the “mother of all migrants.”
The origins of this feast date back to 1531 when the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to an indigenous peasant named Juan Diego in Mexico. The miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was imprinted on his tilma, making it a powerful symbol for millions of Latino Catholics worldwide. Attendees participated in a series of events, including masses in both English and Spanish, rosary recitations, musical performances, and children’s dances that emphasized themes of resilience and unity.
In his address to the congregation, Rev. Manuel Rosiles emphasized the importance of self-worth and advocacy within the community. “Our Lady of Guadalupe reminds us that we are important, that we are of great value, and that we must defend that value on a personal level,” he stated passionately in Spanish. He also urged attendees to support those who may not have the means to defend themselves.
Community Vigil Highlights Immigration Issues
Not far from the church, the Beaverton Social Justice League organized a candlelit vigil to honor individuals detained by immigration authorities. Held at 5 p.m. near downtown Beaverton, the event featured speakers from the local Latino community, who shared personal narratives and experiences of hardship. Participants processed through the streets holding candles and signs adorned with images of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Siblings Lisando and Yaquelin Garcia spoke about their family’s struggles with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, revealing that two relatives had been detained. “I grew up here,” Lisando Garcia stated. “I’m not going to let them terrorize my community. And if I could do more, I would.” He shared that the feast day provided his family with hope during these challenging times, acting as a source of strength.
Yaquelin Garcia expressed a similar sentiment, stating, “I know she’s always with us. Hopefully she could hear us, know all that’s going on here and try and change something a little bit.” The vigil concluded with a communal prayer, where attendees collectively asked Our Lady of Guadalupe to safeguard their families and community.
The events in the Portland area reflect a broader trend of honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, which typically involves processions and celebrations that attract thousands of pilgrims across Mexico. In the United States, the feast day has become a focal point for immigrant communities to not only celebrate their heritage but also address pressing social issues such as immigration reform and community solidarity.
This year’s celebrations served as a reminder of the spiritual and cultural ties that bind many Latino communities, reinforcing the message that advocacy and support for one another is essential. The Oregonian/OregonLive has received support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to cover stories on religion, faith, and cultural connections in Oregon, underscoring the importance of these narratives in the local discourse.
